Life in the UK

A vibrant place to live

International students choose the UK not only for the excellent quality of its universities, but also for its world-famous culture, beautiful countryside and exciting cities.

The University of Sussex campus is in a unique location. It is surrounded by peaceful countryside, but only nine minutes by train from the lively city of Brighton. This seaside city on the south coast of England is an inspiring place to live and study.

Discover Brighton

Although you will be based in the village of Falmer when you first arrive at Sussex, you will still be close to the vibrant city of Brighton. If you find you prefer city life to village life, you will also be able to move to Brighton to continue your studies. Brighton has a large variety of restaurants, shops and tourist attractions for you to explore. You will find businesses from many different cultures, allowing you to experience a truly international lifestyle as well as a traditionally British one.

Welcoming community

The UK is home to many different nationalities, many of which are also international students. By living in Brighton, you will be a part of a thriving international community that welcomes and accepts people of all ways of life. Brighton is famously diverse and tolerant, making it a great place to spend your time in the UK.

Weather in Brighton

On average, the south coast tends to be the sunniest part of the UK. On warm days, Brighton’s pebble beach is filled with people enjoying seaside picnics, ice cream and cool drinks. Sometimes you can experience different types of weather in one day. So it’s best to wear layers you can remove and keep your coat close by. Rain can fall at any time of year.

Exploring the country

The UK is easy to explore thanks to its reliable public transportation systems. There are busses to get around the city you live in, as well as to reach nearby towns. For travelling further, you can go by train. Trains are able to take you all over the country with most towns having a station close by.

Booking tickets in advance will help you to get cheaper fares, and as a student you are entitled to discounts on ticket prices. Brighton is only an hour on the train from London, which has excellent transport links to the rest of the UK.

For international travel, Sussex is the home of Gatwick Airport. You can reach Gatwick from Brighton in 30 minutes. Sussex’s proximity to London means you also have the choice of many airports, so you are able to visit almost any country: